Hospital friendly garment

ABSTRACT

A hospital garment includes a one-piece garment having a front portion and two sleeves. The front portion covering a front of a subject includes a front substantially vertical slit opening near or on both sides of a chest area of the subject, as well as a center slit to accommodate stethoscopes. Each of the sleeves includes a sleeve for accommodating an arm of the subject wearing the hospital garment. The sleeve includes a substantially vertical sleeve opening near an antecubital vein area of the subject disposed on the inner side thereof. Each of the sleeves is fastened via one or more couplings disposed at a distal end of the each of the sleeves.

CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED APPLICATION

This is a nonprovisional application, Ser. No. 61/876,703, filed on Sep. 11, 2013, whose content is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Hospital gowns or slip-ons are available in several variations, but they all suffer common problems: the gowns are made of insubstantial or light materials that are uncomfortable to wear, immodest, or the gowns are not conducive to the instruments or IVs that patients typically need to place on them. Furthermore, in their current variations, hey fail to provide warmth and coverage.

In addition, existing gowns lack hospital friendly openings for instruments to be attached to the patient's body. Many designs exist which are not currently in use or production within these variations. For example, the designs either have openings in the arm open all the way down from the shoulder to the wrist, or part way in the middle length of the arm. When full length sleeves do exist, the opening in the arm is often ill-placed, which can cause pressure or discomfort on the antecubital port site. Other designs have horizontal openings in the chest allowing for subclavian IVs, but are not long enough for stethoscopes, or nursing access. Moreover, prior technologies have subclavian IV port site openings that are connected to each other, like a triangular patch-like opening. Also, many of the hospital gown designs cover the back fully and open in the front, increasing the chance that the garment will be soiled during diaper changes. Designs that include openings for the subclavian and antecubital port site, concurrently, as well as coverage on arms and legs for warmth and modesty do not exist.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention overcome the prior technologies by tailoring a hospital friendly gown that is comfortable to wear both in terms of materials and design. For example, embodiments of the invention are designed to model after existing sleepwear with comfortable fabric. In addition, aspects of the invention provide convenient and strategically-positioned and strategically-sized openings that don't overly expose the patient to the chill elements but also enable instruments or IVs easy access to the patient.

In all embodiments, the gown accommodates IVs by having substantially vertical slits or cuts in the sleeves. These slits run substantially the full length of the sleeve and open on the inner side of the sleeve, with an opening that ends at a closeable wrist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hospital gown according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of a hospital gown according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a hospital gown according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a back view of a hospital gown according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of another alternative hospital gown according to a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a back view of a hospital gown according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a back view of a hospital gown according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a hospital gown according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a back view of a hospital gown according to yet a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a back view of a hospital gown according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a hospital gown according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a hospital gown according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a back view of a hospital gown according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are directed to a flowing “nightgown-style” hospital gowns, long nightshirts, or long unisex children's gowns. In one embodiment, embodiments of the invention include Victorian style in exterior appearance with long sleeves. Moreover, embodiments of the invention include strategically positioned cuts or slits that runs the front-side length of the arms from axis to wrist to accommodate IVs, as well as unsealed openings from the front of the axis area down to the waist to allow outlet for chest IVs, and nursing.

Referring to FIG. 1, a hospital friendly gown 100 includes a front portion 102 and sleeves portion 104. In one example, the hospital friendly gown (hereinafter “gown”) 100 is a one-piece nightgown construction. In another embodiment, the gown 100 is made of materials such as cotton or a variety of fabrics including cotton, but not limited to, flannel, cotton knit, bamboo knit, rayon, polyester, cuddle fleece, shirting cotton, and silk. The front portion 102 may have different sizes and length. In one embodiment, as evident in FIG. 1, the front portion 102 may be of a length extending to lower calf of a subject or patient. In another embodiment, FIG. 6 shows another length of the front portion 102 extending to the knee of the subject.

Moreover, the front portion 102 includes a placket disposed neckline of the subject. In one embodiment in FIG. 1, the placket may be fastened by a set of buttons 106 where a center slit or opening is available. In another embodiment in FIG. 3, the placket may be fastened or loosened by a string or other fastening means. The fastening means could include Velcro, snaps, buttons, or ties. In one example, the set of buttons 106 in the front center also allow for chest IV lines, stethoscopes and nursing, and work in conjunction with a substantially vertical sleeve opening 108, but without being connected to them.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the sleeves portion 104 includes a stretchable shoulder constructions connecting to the front portion 102. In one embodiment, each of the sleeve portions 104 includes a sleeve for accommodating an arm of the subject wearing the hospital garment. Each sleeve includes the substantially vertical sleeve opening 108 near an elbow of the subject disposed on the inner side to accommodate the antecubital port site. In another embodiment, the substantially vertical sleeve opening 108 extends from near the axis to wrist. In one embodiment, the sleeve is fastened via one or more couplings disposed at a distal end of the sleeve. In one example, snaps, buttons, or Velcro may be used as fastening.

In another embodiment, the substantially vertical sleeve opening 108 includes an opening having a length about a half of a length of the sleeve. It is to be understood that the substantially vertical sleeve opening 108 is adapted to accommodate instrumentalities or the like accessing the arm of the subject at the location of the antecubital port site. For example, intravenous (IVs) lines may need to access the veins near the inner elbow area of the arm (antecubital port site).

Referring to FIG. 3, the gown 100 includes the front portion 102 that further includes a first substantially vertical slit opening 308 near the chest area of the front portion 102. In another embodiment, the front portion 102 also includes a second substantially vertical slit opening 310 near the chest area of the front portion 102. In one embodiment, the front portion 102 further includes an opening for femoral port site at hip of the subject. In conjunction with the one or more types of fastening means discussed above near the placket, including but not limited to Velcro, snaps, or buttons, the top portion of the front portion 102 may accommodate any equipment on the chest of the patient or for nursing.

Referring to yet another embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates additional slits, cuts, or openings in the front portion 102. In this example, the front portion 102 includes one or more femoral openings 518 for femoral port sites for instruments or IV lines accessing port site areas around the hip of the subject.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 7 the gown 100 further includes closure mechanisms for the gown 100 from the back. It is to be understood the gown 100 includes a shoulder that connects the front portion 102 and a back portion to be illustrated below. For example, the gown 100 closes in the back thereof with a tie closure 212 (in FIGS. 2 and 4) near the neckline and a tie closure 214 in (FIGS. 2, 6 and 7) near the lower torso. The gown has decorative trim that acts to stabilize the garment from the top, and differentiate it from a traditional medical gown. Specifically, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes two tie closures 212. It is understood that one or more tie closures 212 may be employed. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, on the other hand, no tie closure 212 is needed due to the need for the subject, such as those who are bed-bound patients. In this embodiment, the front portion 102 includes a back portion having an opening 616. In FIG. 6, the size of the opening 616 is adjustable by the tie closure 214. In FIG. 7, on the other hand, the size of the opening 616 is unrestricted by any tie closure (e.g., a backless embodiment) as this embodiment might be preferred for long term bed-bound patients.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the front portion 102 includes two substantially vertical openings (i.e., the first substantially vertical slit opening 308 and the second substantially vertical slit opening 310) on each side of the chest, top front side to middle front side just above patient's breast, but not below nipples. In one example, the two substantially vertical openings don't extend downward below nipples. In another example, the center opening may extend to the top of the stomach of the subject. In another embodiment, the substantially vertical sleeve opening 108 extends down with a seam under axis (armpit) to wrist to secure the structure. In a further embodiment, the stretchable shoulder area, both front and back, for each sleeve is configured to stabilize the garment and allow abundant gathered fabric to be supported and hang.

In a further embodiment, the front portion 102 may be made of a construction of two long gathered panels that reach from shoulder to ankles that close in back of the subject.

Aspects of the invention provide openings through which medical equipment may connect to the different parts of the patient while attempting to maintain modesty and warmth for the patient by offering coverage more extensive than a standard hospital gown. In addition, the back of the gown 100 opens fully to accommodate stethoscopes and bed pans, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 7.

Aspects of the invention differ from prior designs in that most of the prior designs have short open sleeves with no cuffs, allowing drafts to enter. Aspects of the invention overcome that by having the side substantially vertical slit opening about the full length sleeves with cuffs. In one example, the wrist-cuff snaps closed and are fitted to the wrist. With such design, the sleeve secured in place. Due to the prior designs that have merely short openings in the sleeve, these designs do not have “fitted” wrists that specifically close to secure the garment and the sleeve. In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 8, cuffs are used instead of fitted writs.

It is to be noted that the substantially vertical sleeve opening 108 on the sleeve is long: from slightly below axis all the way to wrist, and sealed by the snapping cuff. In this example, the shoulder is sealed/stitched.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the length of the front portion 102 may be shorter than the full body height of the subject. In this example, the gown 100 may be appealing to male subjects. Correspondingly, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate two different back designs of the back portion and the opening 616 to accommodate the shorter front portion 102. It is to be understood that the shorter front portion 102 may be coupled with any other back designs as described above.

FIG. 11 further illustrates an alternative embodiment of the gown 100 to accommodate children. In this example, the front portion 102 in FIG. 11 includes the substantially vertical sleeve opening 104, the first front substantially vertical opening 308 and the second front substantially vertical opening 310, and the femoral openings 518. There is no center opening or slit or cut 106 in FIG. 11. On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows a gown 100 with the center opening 106, the substantially vertical sleeve opening 104, the first front substantially vertical opening 308 and the second front substantially vertical opening 310 without the femoral openings 518. In other words, there may be a combination of the openings available for the gown 100. FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative back portion that may be suitable for children.

In one embodiment, the openings on the arms may be designed to remain open. In another embodiment, Velcro closures may be used to adjust the size of openings. It is the abundance of fabric that attempts to provide the modesty by naturally hanging together (in most positions.) The other designs may close with snaps or zippers on the arms. These examples do not intentionally remain open 100% of the time as the current embodiments.

Moreover, as noted above, the vertical openings (i.e., the first substantially vertical slit 308 and the second substantially vertical slit 310) create openings under the axis to the waist are fully vertical to allow for chest IVs cords access, stethoscopes, and nursing. In one embodiment, the openings under the axis are mostly absconded by the volume of fabric as to attempt to maintain modesty. They also close with snaps, such as the set of buttons or Velcro 106.

Furthermore, the gown 100 includes a back portion of the front portion 100 that opens fully and attempts to provide modesty through the abundance of fabric and ties. Many of the existing garments include ties in front, like robes. This back opening (opening forward) makes it possible to accommodate bedpans and stethoscopes, as well as to prevent soiling in the case of toilet use. Aspects of the invention open in the back, allowing caregivers to pull it up out of the way during changing.

Embodiments of the invention improve over existing technology because the openings for the IVs fall naturally in a location that the IV sites are guaranteed to be undisturbed. This is also designed to look like a traditional nightgown worn at home, which will comfort and bring dignity to the patient.

It creates many options for use, ranging from incontinence/undergarment changing (through the back opening, so garment is spread on top of the patient to prevent soiling during changing—and ranging all the way to creating breast-feeding opportunities for mothers who are on IVs. The closed wrists also provide more shelter from air-conditioning drafts.

The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application of these principals to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification or drawings, but the invention be defined by the claims set forth below and any equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hospital garment comprising: a one-piece garment having a front portion and two sleeves; wherein the front portion covering a front of a subject comprises a front substantially vertical slit opening near a chest area of the subject; wherein each of the sleeves includes a sleeve for accommodating an arm of the subject wearing the hospital garment, said sleeve includes a substantially vertical sleeve opening near an elbow of the subject disposed on the inner side thereof; and wherein each of the sleeves is fastened via one or more couplings disposed at a distal end of the each of the sleeves.
 2. The hospital garment of claim 1, wherein the front substantially vertical slit opening comprises an opening adapted to accommodate instrumentalities accessing the chest area of the subject.
 3. The hospital garment of clam 1, wherein the substantially vertical sleeve opening comprises an opening having a length about a half of a length of the sleeve.
 4. The hospital garment of claim 1, wherein the substantially vertical sleeve opening comprises an opening adapted to accommodate instrumentalities accessing the arm of the subject.
 5. The hospital garment of claim 1, wherein the front portion comprises a placket disposed at neckline of the subject, said placket having a set of buttons for fastening.
 6. The hospital garment of claim 1, further comprising a back portion having an opening for access to the back of the subject.
 7. The hospital garment of claim 6, wherein the opening comprises an opening along the length of the back of the subject.
 8. The hospital garment of claim 6, wherein the back portion comprises strings disposed near the neckline of the subject for adjusting the opening.
 9. The hospital garment of claim 6, wherein the back portion comprises a first set of strings disposed near the neckline of the subject and a second set of strings disposed near the abdominal part of the subject for adjusting the opening.
 10. The hospital garment of clam 1, wherein the substantially vertical sleeve opening comprises an opening having a length about the entire length of the sleeve.
 11. A full-body hospital garment comprising: an one-piece garment having a front portion and two sleeves; wherein the front portion comprises a first substantially vertical slit near the left chest area of a subject and a second substantially vertical slit near the right chest area of the subject; wherein each of the sleeves includes an arm piece for accommodating an arm of a subject wearing the garment, said sleeve includes a side vertical opening near an elbow of the subject disposed on the inner side thereof; and wherein each of the sleeves is fastened via one or more couplings disposed at a distal end of the each of the sleeves.
 12. The full-body hospital garment of claim 11, wherein the first substantially vertical slit and the second substantially vertical slit comprise openings adapted to accommodate instrumentalities accessing the chest area of the subject.
 13. The full-body hospital garment of clam 11, wherein the substantially vertical sleeve opening comprises an opening having a length about a half of a length of the sleeve.
 14. The full-body hospital garment of claim 11, wherein the substantially vertical sleeve opening comprises an opening adapted to accommodate instrumentalities accessing the arm of the subject.
 15. The full-body hospital garment of claim 11, wherein the front portion comprises a placket disposed at neckline of the subject, said placket having a set of buttons for fastening.
 16. The full-body hospital garment of claim 11, wherein the front portion comprises a back portion having an opening for access to the back of the subject.
 17. The full-body hospital garment of claim 16, wherein the opening comprises an opening along the length of the back of the subject.
 18. The full-body hospital garment of claim 16, wherein the back portion comprises strings disposed near the neckline of the subject for adjusting the opening.
 19. The full-body hospital garment of claim 16, wherein the back portion comprises a first set of strings disposed near the neckline of the subject and a second set of strings disposed near the abdominal part of the subject for adjusting the opening. 